On Jan. 26, a jury found Grunow, 57, guilty on all charged counts

SAN LUIS OBISPO — SLO County District Attorney Dan Dow announced on Thursday, March 30, that Craig Anthony Grunow has been sentenced by San Luis Obispo County Superior Court Judge Timothy Covello to serve 250 years to life in prison for 11 crimes of sexual abuse of three children occurring over a three-year period.

At the sentencing hearing, all three victims were present. One submitted a written impact statement, and two family members verbally addressed the court about the profound effect these crimes had on the survivors and their family. Covello commended the victims, stating their testimony was some of the most impressive he had seen, “they were poised, they were truthful, they were courageous.”

On Jan. 26, a jury found Grunow, 57, guilty on all charged counts, which included one count of sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 10 and 10 counts of committing a lewd act on a child under the age of 14. The jury also found true a special allegation that Grunow committed lewd acts on multiple victims under the age of 14. This special allegation imposes a sentence of 25 years to life in prison for each eligible offense pursuant to California Penal Code section 667.61(j)(2).

“California law still protects its most vulnerable citizens by authorizing a sentence of life imprisonment for this type of child molestation case,” Dow said. “This sentence should ensure that this predator is never able to harm a child again. The bravery of these young survivors should encourage all other victims of sexual abuse to report and seek help from law enforcement.” 

The District Attorney’s Office recognizes that many victims of childhood sexual abuse never report and that abusers often harm multiple victims. They encourage all victims of childhood sexual abuse to come forward and seek assistance from law enforcement, victim organizations such as Lumina Alliance, and/or other providers of assistance such as counseling organizations.

If you have been a victim, or know someone who is a victim, you may seek assistance in the following ways: for an emergency requiring immediate intervention, call 911; to report suspected child abuse or neglect call the 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline at (805) 781-KIDS (5437) or toll free 1-800-834-KIDS (5437).